United Way Chapters Ask Supporters to ‘Show the Love for Kids’

WESTERN MASS. — United Way of Pioneer Valley, United Way of Hampshire County, and United Way of Franklin County are collaborating for a new mobile-giving campaign called “Show the Love for Kids.”

Aimed at smartphone donors, United Way’s text-to-give effort allows people to easily contribute to programs that impact the lives of children in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties.

This year, more than 75,000 children in the region will face hunger, more than 5,000 will experience abuse and neglect, and 7,000 third-graders will struggle to read at grade level. By texting the word HEART to the number 20222 via a cell phone, a donation of $10 will be made to the donor’s local United Way and programs that help kids. Centered around Valentine’s Day, the mobile-giving campaign runs through the month of February and appears as a charge on a donor’s mobile-phone bill.

“At Valentine’s Day we take the time to show our love,” said Jim Ayres, executive director of United Way of Hampshire County. “Let’s take time to show the love to kids who are struggling and craving support for a positive future. As you get ready to make dinner reservations, buy flowers, and pick up chocolates, also take the time to send a quick text message that makes a difference.”

Added Dora Robinson, president and CEO of United Way of Pioneer Valley, “we are delighted to collaborate with our United Way partners on a great text-to-give initiative. We hope our community will embrace text-to-give and make a big difference for children in the Pioneer Valley.”